The kids fell silent, their eyes wide.There were five of them, all bundled in thick coats and scarves.The biggest one, a tall boy with a red hat, stepped forward, trying to mask his apprehension with bravado.
I squatted down, scooping up a handful of snow.The cold seeped through my gloves as I packed it into a firm ball.The kids watched me with bated breath.Without warning, I stood and launched the snowball at the tall boy.It hit him square in the face.
The impact sent him reeling back, and the other kids gasped in unison.He wiped his face with his sleeve, eyes wide with shock and a hint of respect.
"You've got good aim," he said, voice trembling slightly.
I allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of my mouth."Comes with practice."
The tension eased as the other kids started laughing again, albeit nervously this time.They seemed to realize I wasn't as intimidating as they thought.
"Are you really Christian Cross?"one of the younger ones asked.
"I am," I replied.
They nodded, still unsure but less afraid now.The tall boy extended a hand cautiously.
"I'm Jake," he said."Sorry about the snowball.Just wanted to see if you're as tough as you look."
"And?"
"Your reaction is garbage."
I smirked.
I barely had time to react before another snowball whizzed past my ear.I dodged to the side, watching it sail harmlessly by.
"Whoa," the kids said in unison, eyes wide with astonishment.
"How's that for a reaction?"I asked, straightening up.
"Lucky," Jake muttered, but there was a hint of admiration in his voice.
Just then, a cold, wet sensation hit the back of my neck.I turned sharply, my gaze landing on Claire.She stood there with her hands covering her mouth, eyes wide in mock innocence.
"It wasn't?—"
"You're a shit liar," I said, smirking.
She started to giggle, not even bothering to deny it.Her laughter was infectious, lightening the cold air around us.
"You better run, Ms.Bennett," I warned, squatting down to scoop up some snow.
"You wouldn't," she said, taking a cautious step back.
I packed the snowball tightly and stood up."I would," I replied and launched it straight at her."I don't discriminate."
The snowball hit her shoulder with a soft thud.She shrieked in surprise before breaking into more giggles.The kids joined in the laughter, their earlier apprehension forgotten.
Clara's eyes sparkled with mischief as she bent down to make her own snowball."This means war," she declared, aiming at me with mock seriousness.
The kids scattered, grabbing snow and forming makeshift forts.The air filled with the sound of laughter and the soft thuds of snowballs hitting their targets.
I ducked behind a tree as another snowball whizzed past me, narrowly missing my ear.The cold air filled with the sound of laughter and the crunch of boots on snow.I couldn't remember the last time I had this much fun.
"Take cover!"Jake shouted, his voice filled with excitement.
I peeked out from behind the tree, spotting Claire as she crouched behind a hastily built snow fort, her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling with determination.She caught my eye and grinned before hurling another snowball in my direction.
